Nijggadh Bara -The government has made a controversial decision to impose a ban on the popular social media platform TikTok, and it has initiated a study by a group of experts from various fields in the Prime Minister's office to monitor other apps as well. Information Technology expert Prakash Rayamajhi revealed that apps like Bigo, Free Fire, PUBG, Tinder, Bumble, TanTan, Likee, and Snapchat, among others, are also under scrutiny by the government for a certain period.
Prakash Rayamazhi, the Prime Minister's IT expert, revealed
that apps such as Bigo, Freefire, PUBG, Tinder, Bumble, Tantan, Likey, and
Snapchat are currently under government scrutiny. He emphasized the need for a
comprehensive understanding of the distortions propagated by these apps, citing
concerns about the prevalence of anti-social, obscene, and adult content.
"We are examining the level of distortions these apps
are spreading. While our social environment may seem fine externally, there are
serious concerns internally," stated Rayamazhi. He clarified that the
temporary ban on TikTok is aimed at enhancing regulatory capabilities and that
the ban may be lifted once distortions are effectively managed. However,
Rayamazhi asserted that certain apps might face permanent closure due to the
complexities involved in their regulation.
Rayamazhi further disclosed that a group of approximately 15
experts is actively studying this issue at the Prime Minister's Office. The
findings of this study are expected to be made public in the coming days,
shedding light on the impact of apps like Bigo and Likey on Nepali society.
Addressing the broader context, Rayamazhi argued that
promoting technology and internet freedom should not provide a haven for highly
negative activities both legally and morally. He defended the decision to ban
TikTok, stating that it was not a hasty move but a response to the need for
stringent measures.
Highlighting concerns about content quality, Rayamazhi noted,
"Even though around 10 percent of the content is good and innovative on
platforms like TikTok, the remaining 90 percent is harmful, especially to
children." He affirmed that the government is actively monitoring other
apps spreading distortions and will reach concrete conclusions soon.
While the Ministry of Communications and Information
Technology and the Nepal Telecommunication Authority claim to be unaware of any
such study, Netra Prasad Subedi, the ministry's spokesperson, explained that
guidelines on social media management are soon to be published. These
guidelines will pave the way for the creation of a social media management
unit, and discussions with social media platform operators will follow the
implementation of these guidelines.
- TikTok Sent A Seven-Point Letter To The Authorities of Nepal
- The Nepal Telecom Wrote A Reply Letter To TikTok
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority, responsible for internet service regulation, asserted that it has not been consulted on the TikTok ban or other app-related matters. Santosh Paudel, the authority's spokesperson, emphasized that Chairman Purushottam Khanal supported the TikTok ban, aligning with the government's decision.
Press Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Narendra KC,
acknowledged the technical complexities of regulating apps like TikTok in
Nepal. He emphasized that efforts are currently focused on TikTok, and
decisions regarding other apps will be guided by forthcoming social media
management guidelines.
The Nepal Police, involved in the decision-making process,
expressed that the government occasionally seeks its opinion. Deputy Inspector
General of Police Kuwer Kadayat revealed that discussions took place before the
TikTok ban, with the government seeking access to TikTok representatives for
regulation. Nepal Police's stance is that social network companies should have
a presence or registration in Nepal to aid investigations; otherwise, they may
face closure.
